CSUN Hosts Program on Eating Disorders

Do you have a friend who insists she’s fat although she’s thin as a board?

There’s a good chance that’s a symptom of an eating disorder, said Janet Kestenbaum, a health educator at Cal State Northridge’s Student Health Center.

As part of a national awareness week, the university will hold its first-ever National Eating Disorders Screening Program at 6:45 tonight at the Student Health Center. Kestenbaum said the program is designed to help students recognize the symptoms of eating disorders and get help.

She said research shows 4% to 5% of college women suffer from anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders and at least five times as many engage in other disordered eating behaviors.

Young women are among the most vulnerable because of peer pressure to look thin, Kestenbaum said.

“A college environment is one that would promote [eating disorders],” she said. “It emphasizes achievement and appearance.”

She said common symptoms of eating disorders include purposeful vomiting after meals, excessive exercise or not eating at all.

Kestenbaum said representatives from the Rader Institute and Charter Hospital will be available at the screening to assist with advice and referrals.

About 500 colleges across the United States are participating in the annual National Eating Disorders Week.